Abstract
The construction industry is a key sector in the development and economic growth of
Zambia, however, the industry has not escaped the challenges facing other countries
worldwide in terms of delivering construction projects on time as stipulated in the
contracts. This paper assesses the construction professionals’ perception on the major
causes of construction project delays and there consequential effects of on the Lusaka –
Zambia, construction industry. The data used in this paper were derived from both
primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via a detailed review
of related literature. The primary data was collected through a well-structured
questionnaire which was distributed to construction professionals, which include:
Architects, quantity surveyors, builders, civil engineers, land surveyors and project
managers. Out of the 50 questionnaires sent out, 32 were received back representing
64% response rate. Data received from the questionnaires was analysed using
descriptive statistics procedures. Findings from the study revealed that delay in progress
payments, difficulties in financing projects by the contractor, delay in approving major
changes in the scope of work amongst others, were the major causes of construction
delays. The study also revealed that extension of project time and cost over runs were the
major effects of construction project delays. The study contributes to the body of
knowledge on the subject of the causes and the effects of construction project delays in
Lusaka, Zambia.